After surviving a buzzer beater against Helen Wyman in the first round, Noble overcame her tough 12 and 7 seeds from the CXlection Committee and entered the QOM match-up as the slight favorite thanks to her Fiets Vier vote haul. Sometimes surviving an early-round challenge makes tournament contenders stronger, and for Noble, that was definintely the case in our bracket contest.

Noble and Compton’s QOM battle in the final after knocking off the two top male riders in Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel left many readers in a tough spot.

[Sees that I have to pick between two absolute Queens of CX. Panics a little.]

But yeah, it's great to see appreciation for women's racing (would be even greater to see equal payout). pic.twitter.com/jV3bx1TvOy

Noble Slam Dunks the CX Madness QOM

After four days of voting, Noble took home the CX Madness QOM crown with an impressive Villanova-like win over Compton. With over 1,400 votes cast in the final round, Noble doubled up Compton’s total to take the win and gain a bit of revenge from Reno where Compton topped Noble for the National Championship.

One thing we completely forgot to do for CX Madness was stipulate a prize for the winner. Jerseys are popular, so are title belts. We are open to suggestions for an appropriate prize to bestow on Noble to celebrate her accomplishment.

Thanks to everyone who voted during all five rounds and thank you to everyone who helped spread the CX Madness excitement via social media. Hopefully, with an actual prize in place, the 2019 CX Madness version will be even better.

One prize Noble does get is the (now) coveted CX Madness winner’s interview. We asked her some (mostly) lighthearted questions about her impressive accomplishment.

Interview with CX Madness QOM Ellen Noble

Ellen Noble: I’d have to say it ranks pretty high since I trained all year and still couldn’t beat Katie Compton.

CXM: The final ended up with two women who knocked off the two biggest Men’s names. What do you think that says about Women’s cyclocross here in the U.S.?

EN: I think it speaks to just how much people are loving Women’s cycling right now. I personally like Wout and Mathieu as people, but I know some don’t find the Men’s racing as compelling as the Women’s because it’s slightly more predictable as to who will win. Having a definite QOM coming into the final round is awesome and I’m stoked to see it.

CXM: We never stipulated a prize. What do you think the appropriate prize would be?

EN: I have no idea! My cousin seemed to think it was for the cover, which is why I think I got so many votes. I was personally just along for the fun of it and because my family was so into it.

CXM: Do you think your grandma will be happy you won?

EN: Oh, she will be very happy. She had a lot of fun with it. I also told her “Grammy, I’m not going to win this thing,” way back when it was the original bracket, and she guilted me into posting about it. So she’ll be happy I was proven wrong too. Haha!

Guys, my grandmother REALLY wanted me to share this and ask you all to vote. So, please vote. For Grandma. And me, I guess, too. https://t.co/Vuq4L2ZB4L

CXM: You did pretty well campaigning on social media … did you ever run for student council? If you didn’t, what would your slogan be?

EN: I did. In 6th grade I ran for “mayor” and also was president of the student council later on. I am SO embarrassed, but my slogan was (cringe):

Be strong
Be courageous
Be fearless
Be Noble

I think there’s some room for improvement on that one [sic]

CXM: Do you follow the NCAA tournament? Did you have a team in the Women’s and/or Men’s NCAA tournament?

EN: No, not at all. But I did see the NCAA congratulate the 4 people who built a 100 percent incorrect bracket without a single correct prediction. That probably would’ve been me. If Kelsey Plum was playing, I would’ve bet on her because she’s awesome.

CXM: Basketball players always want to have “hops,” bikers “bunnyhops.” You jump higher on a bike or off your feet?

EN: I mean, outright? I’d certainly hope I could hop higher than 40 cm on my feet. But relatively I’m not sure. I did high jump and hurdles in high school, so maybe on my feet?

CXM: Any other witty things I have forgotten?

EN: I think we’re good. Thanks for voting everyone. Hope this doesn’t stunt my chances of becoming besties with MvdP in the future.

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Cyclocross Magazine is a print and digital magazine and website for the cyclocross community by cyclocross racers. We’re based on community-contributed content, which means we welcome content submissions from anyone and prioritize representing all aspects of the sport of cyclocross, from the most grass-roots scene to the highest professional level of the sport.